Weather disruptions affect New Year's Eve celebrations across New Zealand
Heavy rain and thunderstorms have caused several event cancellations, including a fireworks show and concert in Christchurch. While the East Coast remains under weather watches, Dunedin revellers gathered at the Octagon for celebrations. High winds and showers were expected to ease as midnight approached.
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4 outlets · Various New Zealanders recognised in 2025 New Year Honours list
The 2025 New Year Honours list has named several recipients for their contributions to various fields. Recognitions include Dame Ingrid Collins for services to Māori, business and health governance, and golfer Lydia Ko for services to golf. Other recipients were honoured for work in theatre, community service, and veterinary science.
2 outlets · Police granted special search powers following Ngāruawāhia homicide
Waikato Police have obtained special search warrant powers under new legislation following the death of 42-year-old Turipapa Tukere. The warrant was sought during a homicide investigation into a violent brawl in Ngāruawāhia. Officers will be active across the Waikato region for the next week to prevent potential gang retaliation.
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4 outlets · One person dead and four injured in Bunnythorpe vehicle crash
One person died and four others sustained serious or critical injuries following a two-vehicle crash on Ashhurst Road near Bunnythorpe on Tuesday afternoon. Emergency services responded to the incident at approximately 2.15pm, and the crash has brought the preliminary summer holiday road toll to 10.
4 outlets · Rhythm and Vines defends $5 fee for optional breath testing
Organisers of the Gisborne music festival are defending a $5 charge for optional pre-driving breath tests. The service was included in a departure checklist for the more than 26,000 attendees following the three-day event. Some festivalgoers have expressed frustration regarding the cost of the safety measure.
3 outlets · Police appeal for information after serious assault in Lower Hutt
Police are seeking assistance following a serious assault near the Avalon Park Pavilion public toilets on Saturday morning. Investigators are also asking for sightings of a suspicious Caucasian teenager with blond hair who was seen in the area around 11am.
3 outlets · Ngāti Toa Rangatira takes ownership of Kāpiti and Mana islands
Porirua-based iwi Ngāti Toa Rangatira has officially retaken ownership of the Kāpiti and Mana islands. This transfer is part of a 2014 Treaty of Waitangi settlement with the Crown. The islands, located off the southwest coast of the lower North Island, will maintain their current conservation status.
3 outlets · Woman named following fatal Boxing Day incident in Feilding
Police have identified Cavillie Maria Simeon as the woman who died in Wellington Hospital on Sunday. She was hospitalised on 27 December after becoming unwell following an incident in Feilding on Boxing Day. Investigations into the circumstances of her death are ongoing.
N3 outlets · Man arrested after Hobsonville shooting leaves two seriously injured
A 29-year-old man has been arrested following a shooting in West Auckland on 22 December. Two people were taken to hospital with serious gunshot wounds, and one person remains in hospital. Police were called to the Hobsonville area shortly after 11pm.
2 outlets · Person dies following water-related incident at Bland Bay
A snorkeller has died after being found unresponsive in the water at Bland Bay, Northland, on Tuesday afternoon. Coastguard volunteers located the individual after a family member reported them as overdue. Police have confirmed the death following the water-related incident.
2 outlets · Lydia Ko becomes youngest Dame in New Zealand history
Golfer Lydia Ko has been appointed a Dame, following a successful year that included winning three LPGA tournaments and an Olympic gold medal. At 27, she is believed to be the youngest person to receive the honour in New Zealand's history.
2 outlets · Lydia Ko named youngest dame in New Year Honours list
Golfer Lydia Ko has been named a dame in the 2025 New Year Honours. At 27, she is the youngest person to receive the title. Other recipients include chef Nadia Lim, fashion designer Kate Sylvester, and former All Black Sam Whitelock.
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